In a strategic move to fortify their blue line, the Vancouver Canucks have inked defenceman Vincent Desharnais to a two-year, $4 million contract, translating to a $2 million cap hit per season. Desharnais, who stands tall at 6’6″ and weighs 216 lbs, brings a significant physical presence to the Canucks’ defensive unit. His acquisition follows an intense playoff series where the Edmonton Oilers bested the Canucks in a seven-game, second-round showdown.
Career Overview
Desharnais’s journey to the NHL has been one of perseverance and determination. Born in Laval, Quebec, he spent his early years honing his skills in various minor leagues before making a significant impact with the Edmonton Oilers. Last season, he played 78 games for the Oilers, contributing one goal and ten assists. Over his 114-game tenure with the Oilers, Desharnais has amassed one goal and 15 assists, showcasing his steady, defensive play style.
Vincent Desharnais: A Brief Profile
- Date of Birth: May 29, 1996
- Age: 28
- Place of Birth: Laval, QC, CAN
- Nationality: Canada
- Position: Defence
- Height: 197 cm / 6’6″
- Weight: 98 kg / 216 lbs
- Shoots: Right
What Desharnais Brings to the Canucks
The Canucks’ decision to sign Desharnais underscores their commitment to enhancing their defensive depth. Desharnais’s towering presence and physicality will undoubtedly add a new dimension to the Canucks’ blue line. Here’s a closer look at what he brings to the table:
Defensive Reliability
Desharnais is known for his solid defensive play. His ability to use his size effectively makes him a formidable opponent in one-on-one situations. He is adept at breaking up plays, blocking shots, and using his reach to disrupt opposing forwards.
Penalty Killing
One of Desharnais’s strengths lies in his penalty-killing ability. His defensive awareness and positioning are crucial assets in shorthanded situations. With the Canucks aiming to improve their penalty kill, Desharnais’s addition could prove vital.
Physicality
Standing at 6’6″, Desharnais is one of the tallest players in the NHL. His physicality is a significant asset, as he can leverage his size to win battles along the boards and in front of the net. This aspect of his game will help the Canucks in maintaining a strong defensive zone presence. His size fits perfectly into the profile that head coach Rick Tocchet prefers in his defensemen, emphasizing a strong, imposing presence on the ice.
Experience and Leadership
Despite being only 28, Desharnais brings a wealth of experience. His playoff run with the Oilers last season adds valuable postseason experience to the Canucks’ roster. His leadership on and off the ice will be beneficial, especially for younger players looking to make their mark.
Replacing Zadorov
The addition of Desharnais more than makes up for the loss of Nikita Zadorov, who was a key physical presence on the Canucks’ blue line. Desharnais’s size, defensive acumen, and physical playstyle align well with the team’s needs and Tocchet’s vision. This signing ensures that the Canucks maintain a formidable and physically dominant defense, crucial for competing against top-tier offenses.
Fit with the Canucks
Desharnais’s signing aligns with the Canucks’ broader strategy of building a robust defensive core. Head coach Rick Tocchet will likely utilize Desharnais in key defensive matchups and penalty-killing scenarios. His ability to play significant minutes against top lines will be crucial as the Canucks look to strengthen their overall team defense.
Looking Ahead
With Desharnais now in the fold, the Canucks’ defensive lineup looks more formidable. The addition of a player with his attributes addresses some of the key areas where the team needed improvement. As the Canucks prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on integrating Desharnais into the team’s defensive schemes and maximizing his impact on the ice.
Fans can expect to see Desharnais paired with some of the Canucks’ other key defensemen, potentially forming a shutdown pair that can handle the opposition’s top players. His presence will also allow more flexibility in how the coaching staff deploys their defensive units, providing a mix of physicality, defensive acumen, and experience.
What Vincent Desharnais Brings to the Canucks
The signing of Vincent Desharnais is a clear signal of the Canucks’ intent to bolster their defensive capabilities. His size, defensive reliability, and experience make him a valuable addition to the roster. As the new season approaches, Canucks fans have reason to be optimistic about the team’s defensive outlook.
What do you think of the Canucks’ latest signing? How do you see Desharnais fitting into the team’s plans? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
Go Canucks Go!